They defeated Pretoria-based team, Refalotse FC, 1-0 in the finals played at the Bram Fisher Sports Complex in Soweto recently. To reach the finals, Tlhakanang FC beat Sunnyside FC 2-1. The team topped all the Gauteng primary schools and will represent the province during the national Milo competition to be held on September 7. The school’s assistant sports coordinator, Robert Sithagu, said they had competed several times before in the Milo soccer tournament, but had never reached the finals.
“I am very happy for the boys because they vowed from the beginning of the tournament that they wanted the championship title. Their performance was superband they used team spirit to win the games. It is a great achievement and hope to also win the national competition,” he said.
Coach Sithagu added that Supersports FC Scouters selected four of his best players to join them in their trials. “I am very proud of Lesego Mathebula, Lehlogonolo Sithole, Tshegofatso Mabena and Tisetso Kekana. They showed their talent in nearly every game they played. If they can grow up loving soccer the way they are, they will represent their country in the future,” he added.
Tlhakanang FC received a R10 000 cheque and gold medals for their efforts. Before participating in the Milo soccer tournament, the team had also topped all the primary schools around Ekurhuleni and won their first title during the Ekurhuleni Schools Winter games. School principal, Pule Mashigo, said he was extremely excited about the achievements and was feeling proud about the boys.
“They are making us proud and put our school’s name on the map. They showed very well that they can balance extramural activities and academic excellence. I see them going far with soccer,” he concluded.
